Champions Bantu relieve pressure with drubbing of LDF

Bantu continued their dominance over LDF on Saturday at Setsoto...

Econet Premier League champions Bantu finally got their title defence on track when they thrashed Lesotho Defence Force 3-0 on Saturday at Setsoto Stadium.

The win prolonged Bantu’s supremacy over Sohle-Sohle and thrilled the travelling Mafeteng support in the process.

A Matšo Matebele had struggled to score goals going into the game and were winless after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Sefotha-fotha in their season opener before a painful 1-0 loss to rivals Lioli last weekend.

Bantu, however, looked back to their potent best against LDF and coach James Madidilane was pleased with his side’s improved cutting edge.

“We worked on our finishing during our preparations for the game,” Madidilane said.

“We created many chances in our last two games and we knew we had to utilise our chances (against LDF). Coming from a draw and a loss I am satisfied with today’s performance.”

Despite being under some pressure after a winless opening two games – Bantu’s worst start since Madidilane took over in 2016 – the two-time defending champions began the like a house on fire against Sohle-Sohle and didn’t take long to find a breakthrough.

In the 15th minute Lindokuhle Phungulwa, who was captain for the day, delivered a menacing cornerkick which Motlomelo Mkhwanazi met with an outrageous bicycle kick to give A Matšo Matebele the lead.

It was a stunning moment of brilliance by Mkhwanazi on his debut for the champions and Bantu fans didn’t have to wait long to celebrate again.

Two minutes later, another new signing, Neo Mokhachane, delivered a defence-splitting pass which found striker Lazola Tjokotjokwana who in turn made no mistake with his finish.

The Mafeteng giants continued their dominance in the second half and Litšepe Marabe put the cherry on Bantu’s cake with a rare right-footed strike which gave Likano Mphuthi no chance in the LDF goals.

Bantu’s win made it 11 games without a loss against LDF, a run that dates back five years.

Bantu’s league dominance over LDF:
29-09-18	LDF	0-3	Bantu	W
10-05-18	LDF	1-2	Bantu	W
21-10-17	Bantu	1-1	LDF	D
04-03-17	Bantu	1-0	LDF	W
13-11-16	LDF	0-3	Bantu	W
14-05-16	LDF	1-2	Bantu	W
29-08-15	Bantu	1-1	LDF	D
11-04-15	LDF	1-2	Bantu	W
23-11-14	Bantu	3-1	LDF	W
08-03-14	Bantu	1-1	LDF	D
10-11-13	LDF	0-2	Bantu	W
20-04-13	LDF	1-0	Bantu	L

But despite an impressive win against a tough LDF team which hadn’t conceded a goal this season, Madidilane said there is still room for improvement for the champions.

“We won but it doesn’t mean that we are now at the level that we want, there are still some elements that I think we could have dealt with better,” Madidilane said.

The performance was encouraging, though, as Bantu head into a week with two testing games. On Thursday, A Matšo Matebele face Kick4Life before another tough game on Sunday against Lesotho Correctional Service.

“We are happy because what we needed was a win to boost morale. I am happy with the mentality (of the players) to come back (after going winless in our opening two games),” Madidilane said.

“We now see improvement in the players and we are working to see that in every game that we play, but we still have to go back and fix some other areas,” he added.

At least, Bantu can go back to work with a win in the bag, at last.